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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage multi-million-pound supplier relationships and ensure delivery of contractual commitments.
- Company: Join AQA, a leader in education, shaping technology partnerships.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Influence key technology partnerships and make a real impact on education.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex supplier relationships and strong commercial acumen.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
You're stepping into a key role at a pivotal moment for AQA as we strengthen how we work with our most important technology partners. As we embark on significant long-term supplier relationships, you'll help shape how these partnerships operate, evolve and deliver value to the organisation. This is an opportunity to influence how AQA collaborates with multi million-pound technology suppliers, ensuring we deliver the best possible experience for colleagues, stakeholders and ultimately the learners who rely on our work.
Purpose of the role
You'll play a central role in ensuring AQA gets the best out of its strategic supplier partnerships. This includes maintaining a clear view of contractual commitments, performance expectations and long-term supplier roadmaps. You'll act as the expert link between technology teams, procurement and supplier partners, helping ensure strong commercial outcomes, effective governance and a joined-up approach across the organisation. This role provides the chance to influence how AQA's supplier landscape evolves over time, guiding how these multi million-pound partnerships deliver value and support our long-term technology strategy.
Key responsibilities
- Managing multi-million-pound strategic supplier relationships and ensuring delivery against contractual commitments.
- Providing insight, challenge and guidance to ensure suppliers meet expected service levels, KPIs and long-term roadmaps.
- Maintaining strong alignment across Enterprise Technology, Assessment Technology and wider leadership teams.
What we are looking for
You'll thrive in this role if you bring a confident, collaborative and commercially focused approach.
- Proven contractual management experience within complex or technology-led organisations.
- Strong track record managing multi-million-pound supplier partnerships.
- Ability to build trusted external relationships and work confidently with executive stakeholders.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify value and risk.
- Experience shaping supplier strategy roadmaps and long-term technology partnerships.
What's in it for you
This is a newly created role with the autonomy to shape how AQA manages its most critical technology suppliers.
- Play a leading role in shaping multi million-pound technology supplier partnerships.
- 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
- A 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution).
- Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.
Diversity and inclusion statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone-regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background-is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter. The application deadline is Wednesday 18th February 2026.
Strategic Supplier Account Manager in Manchester employer: AQA
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Supplier Account Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AQA on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Strategic Supplier Account Manager role. Personal connections can give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching AQA's recent projects and partnerships. Show us that you understand their strategic goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. Tailoring your responses to reflect their values will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience managing multi-million-pound supplier relationships. We want to hear specific examples of how you've driven value and navigated challenges in past roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of the AQA team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Supplier Account Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Supplier Account Manager role. Highlight your experience with managing supplier relationships and any relevant contractual management skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed multi-million-pound supplier partnerships in the past. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Commercial Acumen: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to showcase your commercial acumen. Talk about how you've identified value and risk in previous roles. This is key for us as we look for someone who can navigate complex supplier landscapes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just upload your CV and cover letter, and you’re good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Suppliers Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into AQA's current strategic suppliers. Understand their services, performance metrics, and how they align with AQA's goals. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your ability to manage these relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've identified value or mitigated risk in supplier partnerships. Highlight your experience with KPIs and contractual management to show that you can drive strong commercial outcomes.
✨Build Trust with Stakeholders
Think of ways to illustrate your ability to build trusted relationships with executive stakeholders. Share stories that showcase your collaborative approach and how you've successfully navigated complex organisational structures in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in managing supplier relationships. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies to ensure you come across as confident and capable.
